Glasgow 2026: Hon. Malik Itiako Ikpokpo Calls for Grassroots Athletics Development After Commonwealth Games

Glasgow 2026: Hon. Malik Itiako Ikpokpo Calls for Grassroots Athletics Development After Commonwealth Games

Ohis Asein

Chairman of the Delta State Athletics Association and CEO of Dunamic-Icon, Sir Itiako Malik Ikpokpo Ksm, has urged Nigerian athletics stakeholders to embrace the lessons from the just-concluded Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, stressing that the country's future success lies in grassroots development and proper athlete grooming.

Reflecting on Team Nigeria's participation, Ikpokpo said, "We have gone, we have seen, and we have learnt."

According to him, his expectation was for the athletes to enjoy the experience while officials recognised that no nation waits for another to catch up.

"I wanted the athletes to go and enjoy themselves and for officials to understand that no country waits for others. There is no big or small country," he said.

While commending the motivation and welfare provided to Team Nigeria, Ikpokpo expressed concern over the country's technical processes, particularly in athlete selection, preparation, and training.

"The motivation was good, but I am worried about the technical process of choice and selection, coupled with training," he noted.

He stressed that the championship should serve as a wake-up call for Nigeria to look beyond established stars and invest more in discovering and nurturing young talents.

"My hope is that this gives us a window to dig deep and stop depending on so-called big names. Talents abound in Nigeria. We need to empower our local scouts and coaches."

Ikpokpo highlighted the National Sports Festival, Niger Delta Games, and National Youth Games as important platforms for identifying and developing the next generation of elite athletes.

"Now that we have the National Sports Festival on a more regular basis, alongside the Niger Delta Games and the Youth Games, we have the opportunity to build a large talent pool that can be properly groomed," he added.

The Delta athletics boss also reiterated the need to uphold integrity in the sport by maintaining a zero-tolerance stance on age falsification and doping.

"Importantly, we must continue to say no to age cheating and drug cheats," he said.

Ikpokpo commended National Sports Commission Director General Hon. Bukola Olopade and Nigerian athletics legend Yusuf Ali for their commitment throughout the Games.

"I saw Bukola Olopade consistently on his feet, same as Yusuf Ali. Let's honestly bring back the lessons from Glasgow and work closely with states and local governments to develop athletics across Nigeria," he concluded.